Explora Rapa Nui Easter Island is full of activity biking hiking snorkeling all taking the amazing sights to be seen in Rapa Nui
Explora Rapa Nui Easter Island is full of activity biking hiking snorkeling all taking the amazing sights to be seen in Rapa Nui
Explora Rapa Nui Easter Island is full of activity biking hiking snorkeling all taking the amazing sights to be seen in Rapa Nui
Explora Rapa Nui Easter Island is full of activity biking hiking snorkeling all taking the amazing sights to be seen in Rapa Nui
Explora Rapa Nui Easter Island is full of activity biking hiking snorkeling all taking the amazing sights to be seen in Rapa Nui
View Photos
South America Chile Land Tour

Explora Rapa Nui

Few areas in the world possess a more mysterious past than Easter Island. Rapa Nui (as it’s called by native Polynesian inhabitants) is one of the most isolated places on Earth, about 2,300 miles from Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Endowed with the most intriguing statues in the world, these monolithic stone moai radiate a magnetic pull to this tiny island. The award-winning architecture of Explora Rapa Nui Lodge blends the island’s unique geography and heritage with over 30 different activities in the categories of hiking, biking, fishing, snorkeling and diving. 

These 5-, 6- and 7-day adventures on Easter Island have strong cultural and archaeological overtones, vary in difficulty, and are led by an expert bilingual local guide in a small group of no more than eight (4-day stays available; inquire for pricing). Explora Rapa Nui programs are unique not only because they access certain key sights from alternative routes, but also because they visit hidden locations others do not get the chance to experience. 

Marvel at the engineering of the different moai platforms, witness true native Polynesian culture in Hanga Roa, discover the volcanic cones of Pui Rano Raraku, catch snapper via traditional fishing techniques learned from local fishermen, bicycle through eucalyptus and ceibo trees to Anakena and Ovahe beaches, snorkel amongst the corals, fish in the crystal-clear water, and hike by archaeological sites and petroglyphs to be rewarded with sunset at Ahu Tongariki.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Chile tours and Chile trips.



Itinerary

Explora Rapa Nui Itinerary

The Explora Rapa Nui Trip explores Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as it’s called by native Polynesian inhabitants, which is about 2,300 miles from Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Explora Rapa Nui route map.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Explora Rapa Nui, Chile

Today you will be picked up from the airport for the 15-minute drive to Explora Rapa Nui. Settle in, breathe in the ocean air and meet with your guide to plan out your activities for your stay.

Accommodations

Explora Rapa Nui

Meals

dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 4/5/6
Easter Island Exploration

Over the course of your days spent at Explora Rapa Nui, chose from over 30 activities that vary in length and difficulty. Every evening your guides meet with you at the lodge bar or living room area to explain all of the next day’s available explorations and help you choose the best option according to your interests and abilities. The maximum group size is eight travelers, and a bilingual guide leads every exploration. These excursions are off the beaten path and completely unique, not only by accessing certain key sights from alternative routes but also by visiting completely unknown and isolated locations of remarkable beauty – you will not witness others experiencing the region this way. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days with some top recommended explorations.

Featured Easter Island Hiking Explorations

Walking Moai
For this moderate, full-day, 7.9-mile hike, start at the foothill of Pui Mountain, where men used to compete sliding on banana tree barks. Continue over ancient moai transportation routes to reach the Rano Raraku quarry. Visit the place and then walk through Ara O Te Moai, another moai trail, to reach a group of abandoned moai.

Orongo
This advanced, 5.7-mile, 4-hour hike begins by van ride to Ahu Tahira, a construction platform with perfectly overlapping stone structures. Go up to the rim of the Rano Kau crater, the largest on the Island, and then hike to Orongo, an ancient ceremonial village where the Birdman competition took place.

Puakatiki
This moderate, 4.9-mile hike takes 4 hours to view the 15 moai from above. Leave the lodge by van and head to Ahu Mahatua for a walk down a path along a steep cliff, passing Maunga Parehe and Maunga Tea-Tea, two small knolls on this area of the island. Along the way, see the Vai Aheva fountain and climb to the top of Maunga Pua Katiki, the highest point of the hike. Finish this spectacular hike with a steep descent to the Tongariki platform to view the 15 moai from above.

Featured Easter Island Biking Explorations

Terevaka Anakena
This advanced, 13-mile, half-day overland hike takes 4 hours. Ride up to the Tere-vaka Volcano. At the summit, enjoy a privileged view of the Island. Ride down to Ahu Akivi and then head to the Ahu Tepeu archaeological site. Finally, ride to Tahai, the location of the only moai with coral eyes. Return to the lodge by van.

La Peninsula
This advanced, 15-mile, half-day, 4-hour bicycle ride starts by leaving the lodge by van towards Mahatua, an ancient Rapa Nui settlement. Then bike ride to the Tea Tea Mountain, in the Poike peninsula. Then follow along the south coastline cliffs and reach Ahu Tongariki, the Island’s largest platform from where the group will return by taking byways.

Featured Easter Island Sea Explorations

Snorkeling Motu Tautara
This easy, half-day, 1.5-hour journey to the islets begins with a drive by van to the Hanga Roa cove, to take a boat north to the Motu Tautara, an islet that is located very close to the island and in front of Ana Kakenga, a cave also known as two windows. During the boat trip, appreciate a different view of the Tahai complex, as well as other archaeological sites located on the northwest coast of the island. The area where the Motu Tautara is located is part of a protected coastal marine area in which corals and a diversity of marine fauna can be seen, in addition to endemic species.

Rapa Nui Diving
(Additional cost), half-day, advanced private diving (2 hours) for travelers with diving certificates, either beginner’s or advanced. This exploration is an invitation to discover Easter Island’s underwater world and includes two dives. Some of the places visited include the sunken moai the Nui and Iti motus, surrounded by corals, and the Cathedral, a complex of submarine caves.

Accommodations

Explora Rapa Nui

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5/6/7
Depart Rapa Nui, Chile

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before your included transfer takes you to the airport, or onto the next leg of your adventure. Easter Island is half-way to Tahiti; inquire with an Adventure Specialist for more details about extending your time in Chile, Australia or New Zealand.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Transfer from and to the Hanga Roa Airport; accommodations; all meals, plus snacks and open bar; two half-day explorations or one full-day exploration with guides, daily; snorkeling and bike riding gear; trekking poles; entrance to nature reserves, national parks and archaeological sites; access to the pool, hot tub and leisure areas; WiFi in common areas.

Exclusions

Scuba diving (inquire for pricing); international airfare, insurance of any kind, discretionary gratuities, spa or massage service, laundry, premium wines or other items of a personal nature; peak season/holiday surcharges (please contact AdventureSmith for details).

Payment & Cancellation

Low & High Season: May 1-Dec 21, 2024; Jan 2-30, 2025; Feb 16-Apr 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 30 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 30 days – full refund
29 to 15 days – 50% of total trip cost
14 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Peak Season: Dec 22, 2024-Jan 1, 2025; Jan 31-Feb 15, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 60 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Peak Season cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 60 days – full refund
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Explora Rapa Nui adventure begins and ends in Mata Veri, Chile (IPC), via flight from Santiago, Chile. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Mata Veri anytime on Day 1; a representative will meet you based on your flight schedule and transfer you (15 minutes) to the Explora Rapa Nui Lodge. In order to enjoy a half-day guided exploration on Day 1, schedule your flight to arrive by 12:00pm Noon. Plan flights to to Mata Veri anytime on the final day (a half-day guided exploration is available when checking out by 7:00am and leaving bags at the front desk; inquire with your Adventure Specialist for appropriate departure flight timing). If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities enable guests to explore all corners of Easter Island, either by sea, bike, foot or van. Hikes and bike rides are among archaeological remains, volcanoes, beaches, prairies and cliffs. Snorkeling and (added-cost) scuba diving expeditions explore under the world’s most pristine sea waters. A bilingual English or Spanish guide will accompany each group of up to eight guests. Provided gear includes walking sticks and leg protectors for hikes, and helmet, bike and water bottle for two-wheeled excursions.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at one of the following supplements of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability:
– Low (15%): May 1-Sep 30, 2024; Apr 1-30, 2025
– High (34%): Oct 1-Dec 21, 2024; Jan 2-30, 2025; Feb 16-Mar 31, 2025
– Peak (70%): Dec 22-Jan 1, 2025; Jan 31-Feb 15, 2025

Christmas & New Year programs require a 5-day stay.

Families & Children

There are additional beds for children 3 to 11 when sharing their parent’s room. Maximum one extra bed per room and two children per adult. Children under the age of 3 are complimentary when sharing room with their parents. Please inquire for special rates for children ages 3-17 years old accompanying their parents, which are subject to availability. Rates for children aged 3-17 traveling with their parents are not valid during Peak Season.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change. Please contact AdventureSmith for the most up-to-date pricing.

2024-25 Season:
Low: May 1-Sep 30, 2024; Apr 1-30, 2025
High: Oct 1-Dec 21, 2024; Jan 2-30, 2025; Feb 16-Mar 31, 2025
Peak: Dec 22, 2024-Jan 1, 2025; Jan 31-Feb 15, 2025

 

2024-25 Low Season
Explora Rapa Nui Lodge, Chile
seasonal icon with half sun half snowflake
From $3268USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
2024-25 High Season
Explora Rapa Nui Lodge, Chile
seasonal icon with half sun half snowflake
From $4066USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
2024-25 Peak Season
Explora Rapa Nui Lodge, Chile
seasonal icon with half sun half snowflake
From $4902USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
seasonal icon with half sun half snowflake Seasonal
Accommodation

Learn About the Lodge on Your Itinerary

Lodge
Explora Rapa Nui Lodge, Chile

Explora Rapa Nui is a luxury lodge located on Easter Island. Exquisite dining, privileged grounds and over 30 unique explorations are how you will spend your time experiencing this magnificent area.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Todd Smith • January 31st, 2017
Expert Review: Explora Rapa Nui

Travel to remote Rapa Nui, Easter Island, with AdventureSmith's founder who reviews his trip at the luxury basecamp Explora Rapa Nui.

Testimonial

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us

"Everything Was Great"

Explora at Rapa Nui was perfect. Fabulous food. Great service. The hikes were gorgeous and led well. It is really the best way to do this trip as the hikes are not available to others.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Read More Rectangle Copy 10 Created with Sketch.
Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Land Tour

Add to Wishlist
5 Day Cruise
Fjords of Tierra del Fuego - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise aboard the 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Explore Glacier Alley, Darwin Mountains, Magellanic penguins in Tucker Islet, elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay, plus Wulaia Bay, Cape Horn and more.

Special Offer
From $1638USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
Add to Wishlist
5 Day Cruise
Patagonian Explorer - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

Special Offer
From $1638USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
Add to Wishlist
17 - 18 Day Cruise
Antarctica & Patagonia: Legendary Ice & Epic Fjords

Cruise the Chilean fjords and Antarctica in one combined itinerary, aboard 126-guest Nat Geo Resolution or 148-guest Nat Geo Explorer. Experience Glacier Alley, Torres del Paine and Antarctica's iconic wildlife.

From $26262USD
Feb Mar Nov Dec
More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

Exit Created with Sketch.

Explora Rapa Nui

test message
View Wishlist